Container assembly



Dec. 26, 1967 WHEATON, JR 3,360,153

CONTAINER AS SEMBLY Filed Jan. 19, 1966 7 Sheets-Sheet l Hg. 2 /26 I INVENTQR Frank H. Wheafon, Jr.

BY VOMQW ATTORNEY Dec. 26, 1967 F. H. WIHEATON, JR

CONTAINER ASSEMBLY 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 19, 1966 INVENTOR Frank H. Wheafon, J1:

BY c.

ATTORNEY F. H. WHEATON, JR- 3,360,153

Dec. 26, 1967 CONTA INER AS SEMBLY 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Jan. 19, 1966 INVENTOR.

Frank H. Whe

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ATTORNEY mm: c.

Dec. 26, 1967 F. H. WHEATON, JR

CONTAINER ASSEMBLY 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 19, 1966 Fig. 23

ilNVEN'I-OR. Frank H. When/0n, Jr.

ATTORNEY V Dec. 26, 1967 F. H. WHEATON, JR 3,360,153

CONTAINER ASSEMBLY Filed Jan. 18, 1966 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR he on, J: BY 4%]: am,

ATTORNEY Dec. 26, 1967 r-. H. WHEATON, JR 3,360,153

CONTA'INER ASSEMBLY Filed Jan. 19, 1966 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Fig. 27

I 640 x f 622 642 644+ 634 604 600 620 602 w" 0, mi 630 6 INVENTOR L Fran/rH Wheafon J1: 6/0 r Fig. 30

ATTORNEY United States Patent O f 3,360,153 CONTAINER ASSEMBLY Frank H. Wheaton, Jr., Millville, N.J., assignor to Wheaton Glass Company, Millville, N..I., a corporation of New Jersey Filed Jan. 19, 1966, Ser. No. 521,668 Claims. (Cl. 2204) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention provides a container assembly for cooking, storing, preparing or serving food comprising an upwardly open container of rigid-like material, an intermediate snap-on cover of flexible material detachably engaging the open upper end or rim of the container and in sealing relation thereto, and a top cover preferably rigid in character for detachably engaging the upper surfaces of the snap-on cover, whereby the container, the snap-on cover and the top cover may be merchandised and stored as a unitary assembly. In a preferred embodiment the container is provided with integral handles and the snap-on cover includes integral handles which snap over the handles of the container. In another preferred form where the container and its top cover are made of heat resistant material such as glass which can not be held to close tolerances, the snap-on intermediate cover is provided with one or more bellows-like folds connecting the inner wall of its rim and the horizontally disposed center wall of the snap-0n cover to permit the snap-on cover to accommodate itself to variations in the diameter of the container rim. Various other embodiments of the invention comprise the combination including the snap-on cover having a plurality of various sealing means embodied therewith for providing exceptionally good sealing contact between the related components. While a more preferred embodiment of the invention resides in the assembly comprising the aforementioned three components, it is to be understood that sub-combinations comprising a container and only the flexible snap-on cover having the improved inventive structural sealing means as defined herein may be equally meritorious and desirable.

This invention relates to containers used in the kitchen for cooking, storing, preparing, or serving food, and to a container assembly which may be merchandised or stored as a unit and which includes, together with the container, a cooperating cover or covers which may be selectively used in accordance with the particular functions required. This application is a continuation-in-part of my prior United States patent application Ser. No. 429,713, filed Feb. 2, 1965, now Patent No. 3,337,077. More particularly, the invention relates to the combination with a container of a snap-on cover member which adapts the container for air-tight storage of food, with the further combination of a top lid or cover member which may be used in place of the snap-on cover member when the container is being used for cooking, and which seats on the snap-on cover member when the assembly is being merchandised or is being stored. In a preferred form of the invention, the container, the snap-on cover, and the top lid or cover are respectively provided with a handle or handles.

So far as I am aware, it has never been known in the prior art to provide in one assembly a three-piece combination comprising 1) a container such as a casserole or bowl; (2) a pliable, plastic or rubber-like snap-on sealing cover for the container; and (3) a top cover or lid member for the container; all cooperating in interfitting relationship to form a unitary assembly which may be sold and/ or stored as a single unit.

3,360,153 Patented Dec, 26, 1967 Furthermore, so far as I know there has never before been provided in combination with a container having a radially projecting handle or handles a pliable snap-on cover which is adapted to engage not only the rim portion of the container but also to engage the handle or handles projecting from the container, while providing an air-tight seal for the container.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a container assembly including cooperating parts which may be selectively used to adapt the container for cool:- ing or for the storage of food.

It is another object of the invention to provide a unitary assembly comprising a container, a snap-on sealing cover of plastic or other pliable material for use with the container when food is being stored or refrigerated in the container, and a top cover or lid of heat-resistant glass or other suitable material for use with the container when food is being cooked in the container.

It is another object of the invention to provide a container such as a bowl, casserole, or the like, including a pair of cover members which interfit with each other and with the container or receptacle to permit merchandising and/or storage of the container and the pair of covers as a unitary assembly. It is another object of the invention to provide the combination of a container and a pliable removable sealing cover providing an improved air-tight seal between the container and pliable cover.

It is another object of the invention to provide an assembly including a container provided with one or more integral handle members and including a cooperating pliable snap-on sealing cover which engages the handle or handles as well as the rim of the container.

It is another object of the invention to provide the combination of a container and a pliable sealing cover having an improved air-tight seal in which the seal is obtained between the inner surface of the container rim and the outer surface of the inner wall of the sealing cover, together with an integral handle or handles on the snap-on cover engaging a handle or handles on the container to aid in holding the snap-on cover in place and also serving as a gripping means for the positioning or removal of the snap-on cover. It is a further object of the invention to provide in combination with a container formed of a material which cannot be held to exact dimensions or tolerances such as a glass container, for example, a sealing cover which is so constructed as to adapt itself to variations in dimensions of the containers from a predetermined norm.

It is a further object of the invention to provide in combination with a bowl or container formed of a material which cannot be held to exact dimensions or tolerances, such as a fire-polished glass or ceramic bowl, a snap-on sealing cover having a bellows-like configuration adjacent the inner surface of the bowl rim to provide an effective seal at all times between the sealing cover and the bowl rim despite any dimensional variations in the bowl rim.

In achievement of these objectives, there is provided in accordance with this invention a container assembly including a container formed of any suitable material, an intermediate snap-0n cover member of a suitable pliable material such as polyethylene or other suitable plastic or rubber-like material, adapted to engage the rim of the container in sealing relation, and a top lid or cover formed of any suitable material and adapted to seat on the snap on cover member when the three members are in assembled relation for merchandising or for storage. The upper surface of the snap-on cover member is recessed or countersunk below the rim thereof to receive a downwardly depending rim of the top lid of cover member. When the container is used for cooking, the snap-on cover is removed and only the top cover is used with the container; when the container is used for storing or refrigeration of food, the top cover is removed and only the snap-on cover is engaged with the container.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container is provided with oppositely-disposed integral handles and the snap-on cover is similarly contoured so that the snap-on cover engages the rim of the container and also the handles thereof. The engagement of the handles of the snap-n cover with the handles of the container aids in holding the snap-on cover in position. The handles of the snap-on cover also serve as a gripping means for the positioning or removal of the snap-on cover. In the embodiment just mentioned an air-tight seal is obtained between the inside wall surface of the rim of the container and the outer surface of the inner wall of the rim of the snap-on cover.

It is also within the scope of this invention to provide the container and the snap-on cover each with only one handle rather than with oppositely disposed handles; or to provide the container and the snap-on cover each with more than two handles.

In another embodiment, a sealing bead is provided around the entire outer periphery of the container and the handle or handles thereof and the rim of the snap-on cover is contoured to engage the bead on the container rim and the head on the handle or handles to provide an air-tight seal along the entire length of the outer edge of the container and its handle or handles in addition to the previously-mentioned seal at the inner wall surface of the container rim.

In still another embodiment in which the rim of the container is unbeaded, a seal is provided between the rim of the snap-on cover and the inside surface of the container wall, and also between the snap-on cover and the outer unbeaded container rim surface by use of a longer outer wall on the rim of the snap-on cover which sealingly engages the outer wall of the container rim, the friction between the snap-on cover and the container also being due to the angle of the container rim and the configuration of the rim of the snap-on cover.

In still other embodiments of the invention, the top wall of the intermediate snap-on cover is recessed only adjacent the rim thereof to receive a downwardly-depending flange of the top lid or cove-r, and an air-tight seal is provided between the outer wall of the rim of the snapon cover and the outer beaded surface of the container rim.

Further features of the invention include the provision of sealing arrangements between the intermediate snap-on cover and the container which insure a good sealing contact between these members when the container is formed of a material which cannot be held to rigid tolerances. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a snap-on sealing cover is provided having a bellows-like configuration adjacent the inner surface of the container rim when the cover is assembled onto the container rim, whereby to provide an effective sealing contact between the snap-on cover and the container despite variations in the dimensions of the container or bowl rim.

In another construction in accordance with the invention, a container provided with a pouring lip or spout is provided with a snap-on cover member which is adapted to conform to the shape of the container rim and pouring lip to insure an air-tight seal for the container.

While the various three-piece container assemblies including the container, intermediate snap-on cover and top cover described and shown herein provide patentable combinations in the interrelation of the three-pieces which is of particular value in merchandising and storing the three-piece assemblies, it should also be noted that in many of the container and snap-on cover sub-assemblies the container and snap-on cover are so interrelated to each other as to define patentable sub-combinations.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of the threepiece assembly comprising the container or receptacle, the snap-on cover, and the top cover;

FIG. 2 is a view partially in front elevation and partially in vertical section showing the assembly of the container, the snap-on cover, and the top cover of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view in vertical section showing the top cover engaged with the rim of the container or receptacle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view in vertical section showing the snap-on cover engaged in sealing relation with the rim of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a modified container assembly in which the container and the cooperating cover members are each provided with integral handle portions;

FIG. 6 is a view partially in front elevation and partially in vertical section showing the container assembly of FIG. 5 in assembled relation;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view in vertical section showing the engagement of the top cover member with the container of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view in vertical section taken along line 88 of FIG. 5 showing the snap-on cover member in engagement with the beaded rim of the container or receptacle of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view in vertical cross-section taken along line 99 of FIG. 5 through the container handle to show the engagement of the snap-on cover in this region;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view in vertical cross-section taken along line 1010 of FIG. 5 in a plane transverse of the side edge of the container handle to show the engage-ment of the snap-on cover in this region;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view showing the assembly of a snap-on cover with a container substantially like the container of FIGS. 510 but including a bead around the entire periphery of the container, including along the handles of the container;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary view in vertical section taken along line 1Z12 of FIG. 11, showing the engagement of the snap-on cover with the handle of the container;

FIG. 13 is a view in transverse section showing the assembly of a modified container without any head around the rim thereof, with a snap-on cover in sealing engagement with the rim of thecontainer, and with the top cover supported above the container and above the snap-on cover;

FIG. 14 is a view in vertical section of the assembly of the container and of the top cover of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a view in vertical section taken through a plane including the handles of the container, of the sealing cover, and of the top cover of the assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary view in vertical section showing another modified assembly of a container, a plastic snap-on cover and a top cover;

FIG. 17 is a fragmentary view in vertical section of still another modified assembly generally similar to the assembly of FIG. 16 but including rim members on the container and on the snap-on cover which are differently contoured than the corresponding elements of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary view in vertical section of still another modified assembly of a container, a snap-on cover and a top cover, generally similar to the assemblies of FIGS. 16 and 17 but including contours on the rims of the container and snap-on cover which are different than those shown in FIGS. 16 and 17;

FIG. 19 is a view in vertical section of a still further modified assembly of a container, a snap-on cover, and a top cover generally similar to the assemblies of FIGS. 16-18, inclusive, but including rim contours on the snap on cover and on the container which are different than those shown in FIGS. 16-18, inclusive;

FIG. 20 is a view in fragmentary vertical section of a modified snap-on cover mounted on a container rim, with the snap-on cover being so constructed as to insure a good seal particularly when the container is formed of a material which cannot be held to rigid tolerances;

FIG. 21 is a view in fragmentary vertical section of a modified snap-on cover mounted on a container rim, with the snap-on cover including a flexible inner seal which is particularly effective when the container is formed of a material which cannot be held to rigid tolerances;

FIG. 22 is a view in fragmentary vertical section of another modified snap-on cover mounted on a container rim, with the cover being provided with one or more radially inwardly extending sealing beads which engage the rim of the container, and with the cover also being provided with one or more circumferentially extending sealing beads which engage the inner wall surface of the container;

FIG. 23 is a view in fragmentary vertical section of still another modified snap-on cover mounted on a container rim which has an upwardly extending sealing bead molded in the glass of the container rim;

FIG. 24 is a view in fragmentary vertical section of a modified construction in which a sealing cover is mounted on the rim of a container having a pouring lip, with the sealing cover conforming to the contour of the pouring lip;

FIG. 25 is a top plan view of a three-piece container assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, including the container, snap-on cover, and top cover;

FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the assembly of the container and snap-on cover, with the top cover removed;

FIG. 27 is a bottom plan view of the snap-on cover;

FIG. 28 is a view in transverse section along line 2828 of FIG. 25;

FIG. 29 is a view in transverse section along line 29-29 of FIG. 25; and

FIG. 30 is a view in transverse section along line 30-30 of FIG. 26.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-4, inclusive, there is shown a container assembly generally indicated at including a container generally indicated at 12, a snap-on cover generally indicated at 14, and a top cover generally indicated at 16. Container 12 and top cover 16 are made of any suitable material such as a suitable glass, plastic, ceramic, glass ceramic, refractory or metal material. If the container 12 and top cover 16 are to be used for cooking, the material of which they are made should have suitable heatresistant characteristics. The container and the top cover of a given assembly may be made of different materials.

Snap-cover 14 is made of a suitable pliable and flexible material such as polyethylene or other material having similar qualities, such as other suitable synthetic plastics 0r rubber-like materials, for example. Polyethylene is a preferred material for the snap-on cover since it is locally distortable and strong, resists fracture or breakage, and tends to cling to associated surfaces in a closing 'and sealing manner to provide an effective seal.

Container 12 in the illustrated embodiment is a generally circular shape in horizontal cross-section, but may be of any other suitable shape, such as square, oblong, oval, elliptical for example, in which case snap-on cover 14 and top cover 16 would have a corresponding shape. Container 12 includes a base 18 and an upwardly and outwardly flaring side wall 20 which terminates at its upper end in a rim generally indicated at 22. Due to the upwardly and outwardly flaring contour of wall 20, the inner diameter of rim 22 is slightly greater than the inner diameter of base 18.

Rim 22 of the container 12 is provided with a radially outwardly extending bead 24 around the entire periphery thereof. When it is desired to use container 12 for cooking purposes, and assuming that container 12 and top cover 16 are made of suitable heat-resistant material, top cover 16 is positioned directly in engagement with the rim 22 of container 12 as best seen in the view of FIG. 3. Top cover 16 includes a top wall 26, a downwardly and outwardly flaring side wall 28 from the lower portion of which extends a radial substantially horizontal flange 30 which is adapted to seat on the upper surface of rim 22 of container 12. Wall 28 of cover 16 terminates below flange 30 in a rim generally indicated at 31. Rim 31 is of stepped radial thickness and includes an upper (relative to the views shown in the drawings) or radially outer rim portion 32 immediately below flange 30 and a lower, radially inner rim portion 36. Rim portion 32 has an outer diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of container rim 22 so that when flange 30 of cover 16 is seated on the upper edge of container rim 22 the cover rim portion 32 will extend a short distance into the interior of container 12.

Cover rim 31 is undercut to provide a substantially horizontal annular edge or shoulder 34 and a downwardly depending (relative to the views shown in the draw ings) lip of flange which constitutes the radially inner rim portion 36. As will be explained later, the undercut or stepped contour defined by the annular edge 34 and by the radially inner rim 36 provides a means for engaging top cover 16 with the snap-on cover 14 when the threepiece assembly is in assembled relation as seen in FIG. 2 of the drawing.

Referring now to FIG. 4, when it is desired to use container 12 to store food in the refrigerator, the snap-on cover '14- may be positioned in snapped engagement with the rim of the container. Cover 14 is formed of a pliable, flexible material such as polyethylene or other suitable plastic or rubber-like material and includes a flat horizontal center wall 38 bounded on its outer periphery by a raised rim generally indicated at 40 including an inner Wall 42 which extends upwardly from the plane of the horizontal center wall 38, a spaced outer wall 44, and a top wall 46. Outer wall 44 of the snap cover rim includes at the lower portion thereof a radially inwardly curved lip 45 which underlies the outer surface of bead 24 when the snap-on cover is engaged with container rim 22, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4 of the drawings. The outer diameter of the inner wall 42 of rim 40 is so dimensioned as to be slightly greater than the diameter of the inside surface of the rim 22 of container 12, and the inner diameter of the outer wall 44 of the snap-on cover rim 40 is so dimensioned as to be slightly less than the outer diameter of head 24 on the container rim. Hence, when downward pressure is exerted on snap-on cover 14, rim 40 of the snap-on cover snaps over rim 22 of container 12, with inner wall 42 of the snap-on cover rim being in sealing engagement with the inner wall surface of container rim 22 and with outer Wall 44 of the snap-on cover rim being in sealing engagement with the outer surface of head 24 on the container rim. An additional sealing action is provided by a fin 47 which extends integrally from the under surface of top wall 46 of raised rim 40, fin 47 engaging the upper surface of container rim 22 in sealing relation.

When the container assembly 10 is being merchandised or when the assembly is not in use in the home and is being stored along with other kitchen utensils and supplies, the three elements of the assembly are assembled together in the manner shown in FIG. 2. In the assembly of FIG. 2, the snap-on cover 14 is positioned in engagement with the rim of container 12 in the same manner as previously described in connection with the view of FIG. 4. Top cover 16 is then positioned in superimposed relation above snap-on cover 14 with the annular edge or shoulder 34 of the undercut portion of top cover rim 31 seated on the radially inner portion of top wall 46 of rim 40 of the snap-on cover and with the lower inner rim portion 36 of the top cover extending downwardly into the countersunk region of the snap-on cover above center wall 38. The outer diameter of the lower inner rim portion 36 of the top cover is so dimensioned as to be slightly less than the inner diameter of radially inner wall 42 of rim 40 of the snap-on cover, so as to permit easy positioning of the top cover in the assembled position shown in FIG. 2. However, the relative diameters of rim. portion 36 of the top cover and of the inner wall 42 of rim 40 of the snap-on cover should be such as to prevent any unintentional movement of top cover 16 out of the assembled position of FIG. 2.

Referring now to the modified embodiment shown in FIGS. -10 inclusive, there is shown a three-piece container assembly generally similar to the container assembly shown and described in connection with FIGS. l4 inclusive, but additionally including oppositely disposed cooperating handle portions on the container, on the snapon cover, and on the top cover. The container assembly of FIGS. 5-10 is generally indicated at 16! and includes a container generally indicated at 112, a snap-on cover generally indicated at 114, and a top cover generally indicated at 116. Container 112 and covers 114 and '116 are formed of materials such as those described for the corresponding members of the embodiment of FIGS. l-4. Container 112 includes a bottom wall 118, and a side wall 120 which flares upwardly and slightly radially outwardly to terminate at its upper end in a rim 122. At diametrically opposite sides of rim 122, container 112 is provided with radially outwardly projecting handles, each respectively indicated at 124. Each of the handles 124 includes a fiat horizontal top surface 126 which lies at a level just slightly below the top surface of rim 122 of container 112. Each handle 124 also includes a pair of bounding lateral side edges 128 and 130, respectively, each of which extends in a direction generally, but not necessarily exactly tangent to the bead '123 positioned on rim 122 between handles 124. Bead 123 of the container rim 122 extends only along the portion of the container rim between the handles 124, bead 123 terminating at the junction between the edges 128 or 130 of handles 124 and the rim 122. No bead is provided on the edges of the container handles in the embodiment of FIGS. 510. Each container handle is also bounded on its radially outer end by an outer edge 132. A rib 134 is positioned on the under surface of each handle adjacent the outer edge 132 of the handle. Rib 134 serves as an aid in grasping the handle and also, to some extent, helps to retain the handles of the snap-on cover 114 in position over the handles of the container, although the handles of the snap-on cover will remain in position without the aid of rib 134.

Snap-on cover 114 conforms in shape to the shape of the rim and handles of container 112 and includes a flat center wall portion 136 which is recessed or countersunk below an upstanding rim generally indicated at 135 which merges with oppositely-disposed handles 137 of the snapon cover. The snap-on cover includes an inner rim wall 138 similar to snap-on cover rim wall 42 of the embodiment of FIGS. l5. Inner wall 138 of the snap-on cover has an outer diameter which is slightly greater than the inner diameter of container rim 122, but conforms to the shape thereof, so that when snap-on cover 114 is pressed into position on the upper end of container 122, inner wall 138 of the snap-on cover will provide an airtight seal with the radially inner wall surface 139 of the container rim.

The portion of the rim of the snap-on cover which extends between the oppositely-disposed handles 137 is shown in the vertical sectional view of FIG. 8 which, it will be noted, is substantially the same as the vertical sectional view in FIG. 4 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1- inclusive.

As seen in FIG. 8, the portion of the snap-cover rim which extends between the handles includes an outer wall 140 spaced from the inner rim wall 138 of the snap-on cover, outer wall 140 being dimensioned to frictionally engage the outer surface of head 123 on container 112.

Rim wall 140 of the snap-on cover includes a radially inwardly turned lip portion 141 which underlies the under surface of container bead 123.

Each of the oppositely-disposed handles 137 of the snap-on cover 114 includes a horizontal top wall 144 which lies in substantially the same horizontal plane as the top wall surface of the rim of the snap-on cover. The handles of the snap-on cover 114 also include outer side walls 146 which taper toward each other and toward outer end wall 148 of each handle 137.

As best seen in the view of FIG. 9, the outer end wall 143 of each handle of the snap-on cover includes a radially in-turned lip 149 which underlies a portion of the surface of the rib 134 on the under surface of the container handle when the snap-cover is assembled on the container. A portion of the rib 134 remains uncovered by the snap-cover to aid in grasping the container.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5-10, as best seen in the vertical sectional view of FIG. 10, side edges 128 of the container handles are not provided with a bead and the snap-on cover side walls 146 are not provided in this region with an inturned lip such as the lip 141 provided on the snap cover rim wall in the region away from the handles.

As best seen in the views of FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, a fin 47' extends integrally from the under surface of the top wall of the rim 135 of the snap-on cover rim, and from the under surface of wall 144 of the handle of the snapon cover, fin 47' engaging the upper surface of container rim 122 in sealing relation.

To position the snap-on cover in engagement with the container of FIGS. 5-10, one of the handles of the snapon cover is engaged with a corresponding handle of the container, and then the opposite handle of the cover is engaged with the opposite handle of the container. Pressure is then applied to the center of the top Wall 136 of the snap-on cover and the rim of the cover will automatically snap over the rim of the container, expelling a certain amount of air from the container as the cover snaps into sealed relation to the container rim. The principal sealing action which provides the air-tight seal of the snap-on cover to the container is provided between the radially outer surface of wall 138 of the rim of the sealing cover and the radially inner surface of the rim of the container. The engagement of the handles of the snapon cover with the handles of the container assists in holding the snap-on cover in its sealed position relative to the mouth of the container. The handles of the snap-on cover also form a means by which the snap-on cover may be manually gripped.

Top cover or lid 116 of the embodiment of FIGS. 5-10 conforms in shape to container 112 and includes a top wall 150 and a downwardly and outwardly flared side wall 152 from the lower portion of which extends a radial substantially horizontal flange 154 which seats on the upper surface of rim 122 of container 112. Top cover 116 is also provided with oppositely-disposed handles 157 which, when the top cover and container are assembled with respect to each other as shown in FIG. 7, rest on the upper surface of the rim 122 of the container and also extend in overlying relation to the handles 124 of the container. Top cover 116 is also provided with a downwardly extending r-im generally indicated at 156 and similar to the rim 31 of the embodiment of FIGS. l-4, which extends a short distance into the interior of container 112 when the top cover is assembled on the container as seen in FIG. 7. Rim 156 is undercut to provide an annular edge 158 which seats on the upper wall of the snap-on cover 114, and a downwardly depending inner rim portion 166 which extends into the countersunk region of the snap-on cover above wall 136 thereof when the members are assembled as shown in FIG. 6, in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is shown an assembly of a container 170 and of a snap-on cover 172 which are respectively generally similar to container 112 and snap-on cover 114 of the embodiment of FIGS. 10, inclusive. The modified embodiment of FIGS. 11 and 12 differs from the embodiments of FIGS. 5-10, inclusive, in the fact that the rim of container 170 is provided with a bead 174 around the entire periphery thereof, including around the entire periphery of the oppositely-disposed handles 176 of the container. Outer wall 178 of the rim of snap-on cover 172'is contoured and dimensioned on the inner surface thereof and along the entire length thereof to sealingly engage the continuous bead 174 on the rim of container 170. Snap-on cover rim wall 178 includes a radially inwardly projecting lip which underlies the under surface of bead 174. In addition to the seal provided between bead 174 on the container and wall 178 of the snap-on cover, as just described, a seal is also provided between inner wall 177 of the snap-on cover and the inner wall surface of the container rim in the same manner as described in the previous embodiments of the invention. A sealing fin 179 similar to the fin 47 of the embodiment of FIGS. 5-10 is also provided on the under surface of the rim and handle portions of the snapon cover 172, and engages the upper surface of the container rim in sealing relation.

It will be understood that a top cover member not shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, but similar to cover member 116 of FIGS. 5-10, inclusive, is used in conjunction with container 170 and snap-on cover 172 in the same manner as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 5-10 inclusive.

There is shown in FIGS. 13-15, inclusive, a modified container assembly generally indicated at 190 including a container generally indicated at 192, having a flared wall 193, a snap-on cover 194, and a top cover 196. Container 192 is generally similar to container 112 shown in FIGS. 5-10, inclusive, but differs from container 112 in that no bead is provided on rim 198 of the container.

Snap-on cover 194 is generally similar to snap-on cover 114 of FIGS. 5-10, inclusive, and includes an inverted U-shaped snap-on rim generally indicated at 200 including an inner wall 202 which is so dimensioned and contoured as to provide a sealing engagement with the inner surface of the rim of container 192, as described in the previous embodiments of the invention, and an upper wall 204 which engages the upper surface of the rim of the container. Outer wall 206 of the rim of snap-on cover 194 is tapered on the inner surface thereof so as to extend parallel to the unbeaded outer surface of the container rim and is so dimensioned as to lie in close sealing contact with the outer surface of the container rim. Outer wall 206 of snap cover rim 200 is also dimensioned so as to extend further down along the flared wall 193 of the container for a given size container than would the corresponding outer wall 140 of snap cover 114 of the embodiment of FIGS. 5-10 which engages a head on the rim of the container. The principal sealing action is obtained where the rim of the snap-on cover engages the corner defined by the junction between the top edge of the container rim 198 and the upper end of the outer surface of wall 193 of the container. The friction between the snap-on cover and the container is the result of the angle of the container rim and the configuration of the rim of the snap-on cover.

The contour of top cover 196 shown in FIGS. 13-15, inclusive, is somewhat different than the contour of the top cover of the embodiment of FIGS. 5-10, particularly in the use of a thickened downwardly flared wall 197 having a flat bottom edge 199 which seats on the upper surface of the container rim 198 when the top cover is mounted directly on the container as shown in FIG. 14. However the downwardly depending rim 208 of the top cover is substantially the same as the corresponding rim of the previous embodiments and cooperates with container rim 198 as described in connection with the previous embodiments; and the inner rim portion 210 and the annular edge or shoulder 212 of the top cover correspond to similar elements described in connection with the previous embodiments of the invention and cooperate with the snap-on cover 194 in the same manner as previously described. As shown in FIG. 15, the handles 214 of container 192 are unbeaded, in a manner similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, although if desired a rib may be provided on the under surface of handle 214 as shown at 134 in the embodiment of FIGS. l-5.

There is shown in FIG. 16 a container assembly generally indicated at 250 including a container 252 which may be generally similar to the container 12 of FIGS. 1-4, inclusive, including a bottom wall or base 254 and an upwardly and outwardly inclined side wall 256 terminating at its upper end in outwardly flared rim 258 including a rounded upper end surface 260 which merges with a bevelled outer rim surface 262. A snap-on sealing cover generally indicated at 264 is provided which includes a substantially horizontal center wall 266 bounded at its outer periphery by a groove-like depression or recess 267 defined by inclined surfaces 268 and 270. The radially outer inclined surface 270 merges with a substantially horizontal top rim Wall 272 of the snap-on cover which overlies the upper end of container rim 258 in sealing contact therewith.

The radially outer end of top wall 272 of the snap-cover rim is joined to a downwardly extending outer wall 274 of the snap-cover rim, the inner surface of wall 274 being bevelled or tapered to conform substantially to the bevelled surface 262 of the container rim. Outer wall 274 of the snap-on cover extends slightly below and in partially underlying relation to the under surface of the bevelled portion of container rim 258. The flexible or elastic character of the snap-on cover and of the rim portion thereof together with the tapered contours of the rims of the snap-on cover and of the container insure that a good seal is obtained between the snap-on cover and the container rim.

A top cover member generally indicated at 276 is adapted to overlie the assembled container and snap-on cover to provide a three-piece assembly for merchandising or storage purposes. Top cover 276 is provided on the under surface thereof with a downwardly depending rim 280 which is adapted to be received in the recess or groove 267 defined by inclined surfaces 268 and 270 of the snap-on cover. Top cover 276 also includes a radially outwardly extending peripheral flange 282 which overlies and rests upon the upper or top wall 272 of the rim portion of snap-on cover 264 as seen in FIG. 16 of the drawings, when the container, snap-on cover and top cover are assembled together. Container 252 may be provided with a pair of oppositely-disposed integral handles 284, one of which is shown in FIG. 16, which extend radially outwardly from peripheral flange 282. Radially outwardly extending handles 286 may also extend from the upper portion of wall 256 adjacent but below the rim of container 252. It will be noted that the handles of the container and of the cover, while lying in substantially the same vertical plane, do not lie in directly superposed relation to each other when the container and cover are in assembled relation.

There is shown in FIG. 17 a container assembly generally indicated at 300 including a container 302, a snapon cover generally indicated at 304, and a top cover generally indicated at 306. Container 302 includes a bottom wall 308 and an upwardly and outwardly flaring side wall 310 which terminates at its upper end in a rim 312 having a bead 314 formed on the outer surface thereof. Snap-on cover 304 includes a flat top wall 316 which has adjacent the radially outer portion thereof a peripheral groove 318 similar to the corresponding groove 267 in cover 264 of the embodiment of FIG. 16. The radially outer wall of groove 318 merges with the top wall 320 of the snap-on cover rim. The rim of the snap-on cover includes an outer wall 322 which is so dimensioned and contoured on the inner surface thereof as to form an air-tight seal with head 314 on the container rim. Top cover 306 is provided adjacent the radially outer periphery thereof with a downwardly depending peripheral rim 324 which is received in recess or groove 318 of snap-on cover 306. Flange 326 of top cover 306 seats on the upper surface of top wall 320 of the snap-on cover rim when the parts are assembled together as shown in FIG. 17.

There is shown in FIG. 18 a container assembly generally indicated at 358 including a container 352 having a base 354 and an upwardly and outwardly flared side wall 356 terminating at its upper end in an outwardly flared rim 358 having a rounded upper surface 368 which merges at the radially outer portion thereof with an inclined outwardly lying bevelled surface 362 which, in turn, merges at the lower end thereof with a second outwardly lying bevelled surface 364. A snap-on cover generally indicated at 366 is adapted to engage the rim of container 352. Snap-on cover 366 includes a fiat center wall 368 provided with a recess or groove 370 adjacent the rim of the snap-on cover. The radially outer inclined wall of groove 37G merges with the top wall 372 of the snap-n cover rim which overlies the upper surface aof the container rim in sealing relation thereto. Top wall 372 of the snap-on cover rim merges with a downwardly extending outer wall 374 which engages the container rim in airtight sealing relation, the lower end of wall 374 of the snap-on cover extending slightly below the bottom surface of the container rim. The inner surface of snap-on cover rim wall 374 is contoured to substantially conform to the double-bevelled surfaces 362 and 364 of the container rim in air-tight sealing relation to the container rim.

A top cover generally indicated at 376 includes a. doWnwardly depending rim 378 which is received in recess 37% of snap-on cover 366, recess 370 conforming to the contour of rim 378. Top cover 376 also includes a radially outwardly extending flange 380 which seats on top wall 372 of the snap-on cover rim when the parts are assembled as shown in FIG. 18.

There is shown in FIG. 19 a modified assembly generally indicated at 408 including a container 402 having a base or bottom wall 404 and an upwardly inclined side wall 406 which terminates at its upper end in a rim 408 having a bead 410 on the outer surface thereof. A small bead 412 extends vertically uppwardly for a short distance from the rounded upper surface of container rim 408, head 412 being molded integrally with the container. A snap-on cover 414 is adapted to be positioned in air-tight sealing relation to container 406. The rim of the snap-on cover includes an upper wall 416 which sealingly engages bead 412 on the container rim and an outer wall 418 which is contoured on the inner surface thereof to sealingly engage bead 418 on the container rim. Instead of having bead 412 molded integrally with the rim of container 402, a bead may be provided on the under surface of upper wall 416 of the rim of the snap-on cover.

As in the embodiment of FIGS. l6l 8, snap-on cover 414 of the embodiment of FIG. 19 is provided with a groove conforming to the contour of the downwardly depending rim of top cover 420. The radially outwardly ex tending flange 421 of top cover 420 seats on the upper wall 416 of the rim of the snap-on cover 414, and the downwardly depending rim of top cover 428 extends downwardly into the groove or recess of the top wall of the snap-on cover when the parts are assembled as shown in FIG. 19.

There is shown in FIG. 20 a sealing arrangement for a snap-on cover member and the rim of a container which is particularly useful where the container is made of glass or other material which cannot be held to rigid tolerances. The container generally indicated at 450 includes a vertical wall 452 having a radially outwardly extending bead 454 at the upper end thereof. A snap-on cover member made of flexible, pliable material such as that described in the previous embodiments, is generally indicated at 456 and includes a flexible inner wall generally indicated at 458 including a radially outer surface 460 contiguous the inner rim of the container, surface 460 being tapered or inclined downwardly and radially outwardly for most of the height thereof, but tapered in a reverse direction or downwardly and radially inwardly at the lower portion thereof as indicated at 462. If snap-on cover 456 is removed from its assembled position with respect to the rim of the container, inner wall 458 of the snap-on cover tends to spring radially outwardly to some degree from the position shown in FIG. 20, but, when assembled onto the rim of the container as shown in FIG. 20, is forced radially inwardly to the position shown in FIG. 20. Thus, the inner wall 458 of the snap-on cover is adapted to provide a sealing contact with the inner surface of the container rim despite variations in the internal diameter of the inner wall surface of the container rim due to inherent difficulties in maintaining rigid tolerances with certain materials such as glass, for example. Snap-on cover 456 also includes an outer rim wall 464 which is so dimensioned and contoured as to frictionally engage the outer surface of container bead 454 in sealing relation.

As a further feature of the sealing construction shown in FIG. 20, top wall 459 of the top cover rim is provided on the under surface thereof with a plurality of integral downwardly projecting wiping beads 461 which provide a more positive peripheral seal between the snap-on cover and the upper surface of the rim of container 450.

The upper surface of snap-on cover 456 radially inwardly of inner wall 458 is preferably provided with means for receiving the rim of a top cover member not shown in FIG. 20, if the container and snap-on cover are to be assembled in a three-piece assembly which includes a top cover member. Thus, the upper central surface of the snap-on cover inwardly of inner wall 458 may be countersunk or recessed as shown in the previously-described embodiments of FIGS. 1-15, or, alternatively, the snap-on cover may be provided with a recess or groove for receiving the downwardly depending rim of a. top cover member, as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 16-19, inclusive.

There is shown in FIG. 21 another modified sealing construction which is particularly useful where the container is formed of a material such as glass which cannot be held to rigid tolerances. The container generally indicated at 475 in FIG. 21 includes the vertical wall 476, having a radially outwardly extending bead 478 at the upper end thereof. A snap-on cover generally indicated at 480 is formed of a flexible, pliable material similar to that used for the snap-on covers of the previous embodiments.

Snap-on cover 480 includes an inner seal provided by a U-shaped depression in the snap-on cover adjacent the rim of the container, the U-shaped depression including a radially outer leg portion 482 and a radially inner leg portion 484, joined at the lower ends thereof by a bridging portion 486. The upper end of the leg portion 482 merges with top wall 488 of the snap-on cover rim and an outer wall 490 extends downwardly from top wall 488 and is contoured and dimensioned to frictionally engage the outer surface of bead 478 on the container rim. One or more integral downwardly-extending wiping beads 492 extend from the under surface of the top wall 488 of the snap-on cover rim generally throughout its perimeter to provide an additional sealing action. It will be seen that the flexible U-shaped inner seal is adapted to accommodate any variations in the inner diameter of the container rim due to difiicnlties in mainaining rigid tolerances on glass containers or the like, so that an effective sealing action is maintained at the inner surface of the container rim despite variations in the internal dimensions of the container rim.

Referring now to FIG. 22., there is shown a still further modified sealing arrangement between a snap-on cover and the rim of a container which is particularly suitable for use where the container is formed of material such as glass which cannot be held to rigid tolerances. The container generally indicated at 500 in FIG. 22 includes a vertical wall having a radially outwardly extending bead 504 atthe upper end thereof. A snap-on cover generally indicated at 506 formed of a material such as those previously described in connection with the previous embodiments engages the rim of container 500. The snap-on cover includes a countersunk center wall 508 which permits the rim of a top cover member not shown in FIG. 22 to be received in the countersunk region, as previously described. The snap-on cover rim 506 includes an inner wall 510 provided on the radially outer surface thereof with a plurality of circumferentially extending sealing beads 512. The top wall portion 514 of the snap-on cover rim 506 includes a plurality of downwardly extending wiping beads 516 which provide an additional sealing contact between the rim of the snap-on cover and the upper surface of the rim of the container. The rim of the snap-on cover also includes an outer Wall 518 which is contoured and dimensioned to frictionally engage the outer surface of container bead 504 in sealing relation.

Still a further type of sealing arrangement which may be used between the container and the snap-on cover is shown in FIG. 23 in which there is shown a container generally indicated at 525 including a side wall 526 having a radially outwardly extending bead 528 at the upper edge thereof, and a small bead 530 which is integrally molded with and extends vertically above the upper surface of container rim 528. A snap-on cover generally indicated at 532 is provided for container 525 and includes a center wall portion 534 which is countersunk below the top surface of the rim of the snap-on cover.

- The rim of'the snap-on cover includes an inner wall 536 which is so dimensioned as to frictionally and sealingly engage the inner Wall of the rim despite variations in the diameter of the inner wall of the rim, and an outer wall 538 which is contoured and dimensioned to frictionally engage the outer surface of the bead 528 on the container rim. A further sealing action is provided by the sealing bead 530 which engages the under surface of the top wall 540 of the snap-on cover rim in sealing relation.

1 There is shown in FIG. 2A a container generally indicated at 550 including a wall 552 which terminates at its upper end in a rim 554. At one portion of its periphery, rim 554 is contoured to define a pouring lip, as indicated at 5564A snap-on sealing cover generally indicated at 558, which may be formed of the same type of pliable and flexible material as described in connection with the previous embodiments of the invention, is adapted to engage rim 554 and the pouring lip 556 thereof. Cover 558 includes a raised rim portion generally indicated at 560 which rises above a countersunk center wall portion 562. Raised rim 560 includes an inner wall 564, an outer wall 566, and a top connecting wall 568. The inner wall 564 of the container rim is so dimensioned as to frictionally engage in sealing relation the inner Wall of the container rim, including the pouring lip portion thereof, while the outer wall 566 of the snap-on cover rim is contoured to sealingly engage the outer wall surface of the container rim, including the pouring lip portion thereof.

In any of the various sealing arrangements shown in FIGS. 20-23, inclusive, the snap-on cover may be provided with a top center wall lying in the same horizontal plane as the top wall of the rim of the snap-on cover, rather than having the center wall countersunk, if it is not desired to use the container and snap-n cover subassembly in conjunction with a top cover member, in

which case no provision need be made on the snap-on cover to receive the rim of the top cover.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 25-30, inclusive, represents a preferred embodiment of the invention in which the snap-on cover is so constructed as to have a flexibility which permits it to engage the rim of the bowl or container 602 with good uniform sealing engagement despite dimensional variations in the rim of the bowl or container, due to difliculties in maintaining close rim erally indicated at 606 having a bead 608 formed on the outer surface thereof. Container 602 is provided with diametrically opposed integral handles 610 which lie slightly below the upper surface of the rim 606 of the container. As best seen in the view of FIG. 30, handles 610 are not provided with a bead on the outer edge thereof. However, each of the handles 610 is provided on the under surface of the radially outer extremity thereof with an integral rib 612 which aids in grasping the handle, and, also, to some extent, helps to retain the integral handle 620 of the snap-on cover generally indicated at 614 in position over the handles 610 of the container, although the handles of the snap-on cover remain in position without the aid of the ribs 612.

The snap-on cover 614 conforms to the shape of the rim and handles of container 602, and includes a flat central wall portion 616 which is recessed or countersunk below an upstanding rim generally indicated at 618 which merges with the oppositely disposed handles 620 of the snap-0n cover. The snap-on cover includes an inner rim Wall 622 which is connected along the entire peripheral or circumferential length thereof to the main flat center wall 616 of the snap-on cover by several bellows folds defined by the inclined wall portions 624 and 626. Inclined wall portion 624 is connected at its lower and radially outer end to the lower end of snap-on cover rim wall 622 in a generally V configuration to define a first bellows fold. Inclined wall portion 624 is connected at its upper and radially inner end to inclined wall portion 626 in a second V configuration to define a second bellows fold, inclined wall portion 626 extending downwardly and radially inwardly to merge with the upper surface of flat center wall 616 of the snap-on cover.

As best seen in the views of FIGS. 28 and 2 9, the thickness of the flexible material of snap-on cover 614 in the region of and forming the two bellows folds defined by inclined wall portions 624 and 626 is substantially thinner than in the region of the flat center wall portion 616 of the snap-on cover, thereby increasing the flexibility of the snap-on cover in the region of the bellows folds to permit the rim wall 622 of the snap-on cover to accommodate itself to the internal diameter of the container rim, where the major sealing action occurs. This permits the snap-on cover to maintain good sealing contact with the container rim despite variations in the internal diameter of the container rim. The increased flexibility of the snap-on cover due to the bellows folds also permits the outer rim wall 630 (to be described) of the snap-on cover to be moved radially outwardly to engage an oversize outer diameter container rim, where necessary.

Rim 618 of the snap-on cover 614 is also provided with an outer rim wall 630 which is adapted to engage the outer surface of head 608 of the container rim and also to engage the unbeaded edges of the container handles 610, as seen in FIGS. 28 and 30. The inner Wall 622 and the outer wall 630 of the snap-on cover rim are joined by a flat connecting portion 634 which is of greater radial width in the region of the handles of the snap-on cover than in the region away from the handles. The portions of the outer wall 630 of the snap-on cover rim lying in the regions of the outer ends of the handles of the snapon cover are formed so as to turn radially inwardly slightly at the lower end thereof so as to slightly underlie the rib 612 on the under surface of each of the respective container handles 610 when the snap-on cover is posi tioned on the container 602, as best seen in the view of FIG. 28.

The assembly also includes a top cover member generally indicated at 636, including a top wall 638 and a downwardly and radially outwardly extending wall 640 which terminates adjacent its lower end with respect to the views of FIGS. 28 and 29 in a fiat flange portion 642 adapted to overlie the connecting wall portion 634 of the snap-n cover rim when the snap-on cover is assembled onto container 602. Top cover 636 also includes a downwardly depending rim portion 644 which is so dimensioned as to be received adjacent and inwardly of the upper end of inner wall 622 of the snap-on cover rim.

Top cover 636 also includes oppositely disposed handles 648 which are adapted to overlie the handles 620 of the snap-on cover when top cover 636 is assembled above the snap-on cover. It will be noted that when the container, snap-on cover, and top cover are in assembled relation as best seen in FIG. 28, the handles 648 of top cover 636 are longer than the corresponding handles of the container or of the snap-on cover so as to project radially beyond the handles of the snap-on cover and container to provide an area which permits the user to grasp the top cover when removing it from its assembled position.

Container 602 and top cover 636 of the embodiment of FIGS. 2530, inclusive, may be made of any suitable material such as those described in connection with the previous embodiments, but the cooperating snap-on cover member 614 with the bellows folds is particularly suitable for use when the container 602 is made of a material such as glass, glass ceramic, ceramic, refractory, or the like, which cannot be held to exact dimensions. The snap-on cover is made of a suitable pliable and flexible material such as polyethylene or other material having similar qualities, such as other suitable synthetic plastics or rubher-like materials, for example.

To position snap-on cover 614 in engagement with container 602 of the embodiment of FIGS. 25-30, the handles 620 of the snap-on cover are snapped into engagement with the corresponding handles of the container. Pressure is then applied with the thumbs at the locations of the letters A on the upper surface of the snap-on cover as seen in FIG. 26 to cause the rim of the snap-on cover to snap over the rim of the container, expelling a certain amount of air from the container as the cover snaps into sealed relation to the container rim.

Any of the various container assemblies hereinbefore described are sold as a unitary three-piece assembly comprising the container, the snap-on cover, and the top cover. It will be understood as previously pointed out, that where the container and the top cover or lid of each of the hereinbefore-described assemblies are intended for use in cooking, they are formed of heat-resistant glass or of such other materials as glass ceramics, other suitable ceramic, refractory, plastic or metal materials which permit the container and the top cover to be subjected to temperatures normally encountered in connection with food cooking or baking operations without adverse effect on the container, on the cover, or on the food. The term heatresistant material used in some of the claims is hereby defined to include any materials such as those just described suitable for use in cooking or baking operations or equivalents thereof. It should also be noted that the container member and the mating top cover or lid of any of the assemblies hereinbefore described need not necessarily be made of the same materials in a given container assembly. For example, the container of a given assembly might be made of a heat-resistant glass ceramic material while the mating top cover member might be made of a suitable heat-resistant glass.

It is also within the scope of the invention to utilize only one handle member on any of the container assembly elements in which two handle members have been shown and described on a given element such as the container, the snap-on cover or the top cover, or to use more than two handle members in constructions where two handle members have been shown on a given element such as the container, the snap-0n cover member, or the top cover.

In using any of the container assemblies hereinbefore described, food which is being prepared for cooking may be placed in the container and the snap-on may then be engaged with the rim of the container to maintain the interior of the container in air-tight condition. The container with the food therein and with the snap cover thereon may then be placed in the refrigerator or freezer until the food is ready to be cooked. The container may then be removed from the refrigerator and the snap-on cover is removed and replaced by the top cover or lid. The container with the top cover positioned thereon may then be positioned on the stove or in the oven for cooking or baking. After removing the container from the stove or oven and placing it on the dining room table, if all of the food is not used, the snap-on cover may again be engaged with the rim of the container and the container, sealed air-tight by the snap-on cover, may then be placed back in the refrigerator.

It can be seen from the foregoing that there is provided in accordance with all of the various embodiments of the invention hereinbefore described container assemblies which have great utility for use in cooking, storing, preparing, or serving food.

While there have been shown and described various embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention, and, therefore, it is aimed to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What I claim as my invention is: g

1. The combination of a two-piece assembly for preparing, storing, cooking or serving food comprising:

(a) a container open at its upper end thereof and terminating in a rim;

(b) a flexible snap-on cover detachably engaging the open upper end in sealing relation with said container rim, and including a peripheral rim having inner and outer rim walls connected by a top rim wall;

(0) said snap-on cover including a flat center wall portion lying radially inwardly of said inner rim wall; and

(d) said snap-on cover including a bellows-like flexible wall portion of less thickness than and connecting both said inner rim wall and said flat center wall portion along substantially the entire length of the respective peripheries thereof.

2. In combination, a three-piece container assembly for use in preparing, storing, cooking or serving food comprising:

(a) a container open at the upper end and terminating in a rim;

(b) an intermediate snap-on cover of flexible material detachably engaging the open upper end of said container in sealing relation thereto and including a peripheral rim having radially inner and outer rim walls connected by a top rim wall;

(0) said snap-0n cover including a flat center wall portion lying radially inwardly of said inner rim wall;

(d) said snap-on cover including a bellows-like flexible wall portion of less thickness than and connecting both inner rim wall and said flat center Wall portion, along substantially the entire length of the respective peripheries thereof;

(e) a top cover member detachably interengageable with the upper surface of said snap-on cover member; (f) complementally formed means on the top cover, intermediate snap-on cover and on said container rim to maintain said three pieces in an assembled relationship to facilitate merchandising and storage as a unitary assembly.

3. The combination as defined in claim 2 wherein:

(a) the flat center portion of said snap-on cover is countersunk at a level below that of said top rim wall of the snap-on cover;

(b) said top cover member having a downwardly depending rim adapted to lie radially inwardly of said inner rim wall of said snap-on cover; and

(c) said top cover also having a radially outwardly extending flange adapted to overlie said top rim wall of said snap-on cover.

4. The combination as defined in claim 2 wherein:

(a) the flat center portion of said snap-on cover is countersunk at a level below that of said top rim wall of said snap-on cover;

(b) said snap-on cover including a first inclined flexible wall portion connected at its radially outer end to the lower end of said inner rim wall;

(c) said first inclined flexible wall portion extending upwardly and radially inwardly from its connection to said inner rim wall to define a first bellows fold;

(d) said snap-on cover including a second inclined flexible wall portion connected at its radially outer end to the radially inner and upper end of said first inclined flexible wall portion; and

(e) said second inclined flexible Wall portion extending downwardly and radially inwardly from its connection to said first inclined flexible wall portion to define a second bellows fold and being connected at its radially inner and lowermost end to the outer periphery of the flat center portion of said snap-on cover.

5. The combination defined in claim 2 wherein:

(a) said container includes oppositely disposed integrally formed handles; and

( b) said snap-on cover includes oppositely disposed integrally formed handles conforming in shape to and embracing said handles of said container.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,289,037 7/1942 Poglein 220-94 2,342,486 2/ 1944 Poglein 1215-10 XR 2,752,970 7 1956 Tupper 220-42 2,766,796 10/ 1956 Tupper 220-23 2,985,354 5/ 1961 Aldington 220- XR 3,070,275 12/ 1962 Bostrom 220-60 3,113,667 1 2/1963 Knapp 206-46 3,225,915 12/ 1965 Wise 220-23 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,181,121 11/1964 Germany.

THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner. GEORGE E. LOWRANCE, Examiner. 

2. IN COMBINATION, A THREE-PIECE CONTAINER ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN PREPARING, STORING, COOOKING OR SERVING FOOD COMPRISING: (A) A CONTAINER OPEN AT THE UPPER END AND TERMINATING IN A RIM; (B) AN INTERMEDIATE SNAP-ON COVER OF FLEXIBLE MATERIAL DETACHABLY ENGAGING THE OPEN UPPER END OF SAID CONTAINER IN SEALING RELATION THERETO AND INCLUDING A PERIPHERAL RIM HAVING RADIALLY INNER AND OUTER RIM WALLS CONNECTED BY A TOP RIM WALL; (C) SAID SNAP-ON COVER INCLUDING A FLAT CENTER WALL PORTION LYING RADIALLY INWARDLY OF SAID INNER RIM WALL; (D) SAID SNAP-ON COVER INCLUDING A BELLOWS-LIKE FLEXIBLE WALL PORTION OF LESS THICKNESS THAN AND CONNECTING BOTH INNER RIM WALL AND SAID FLAT CENTER WALL PORTION, ALONG SUBSTANTIALLY THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE RESPECTIVE PERIPHERAL THEREOF; (E) A TOP COVER MEMBER DETACHABLY INTERENGAGEABLE WITH THE UPPER SURFACE OF SAID SNAP-ON COVER MEMBER; (F) COMPLEMENTALLY FORMED MEANS ON THE TOP COVER, INTERMEDIATE SNAP-ON COVER AND ON SAID CONTAINER RIM TO MAINTAIN SAID THREE PIECES IN AN ASSEMBLED RELATIONSHIP TO FACILITATE MERCHANDISING AND STORAGE AS A UNITARY ASSEMBLY. 